The final declaration issued by participants at the third AWO Congress in Tunis stressed the importance of the opening address delivered by Mrs. Leila Ben Ali Tunisia's First Lady and AWO's Chairwoman, in which she underscored the need to further promote Arab women's conditions on the basis of a coherent approach that rests on a tight correlation between civil and political rights, on the one hand, and social and economic rights, on the other. The Declaration makes reference to Mrs. Ben Ali's assertion that fear, poverty and discrimination stand at the basis of sustainable development. It also highlights the addresses of Arab First Ladies and Heads of delegations in which they draw attention to the fact that despite the considerable achievements already accomplished, much remains to be done so that Arab women can fully assume their role in society. The final Declaration emphasizes the major outcomes of the seven plenary sessions and the roundtable organized as part of the Congress proceedings. These addressed various issues pertaining to the relation between women and sustainable development in its social, economic, political, environmental and health dimensions. Participants hailed the various gains and achievements accomplished for Arab women in all fields, particularly in terms of education, employment and participation in public life. They also evoked the hurdles which impede Arab women's participation in sustainable development, especially in light of the current global situation which presents challenges related to globalization, technological revolution and the financial and economic crisis. On the other hand, participants welcomed the proposition by Sheikha Fatma Bint M'Barek for creating, within AWO, a permanent Arab Youth Commission, as well as the proposition by Mrs. Suzanne Mubarak for proclaiming an Arab Day of Youth to be celebrated on July 7 of each year. Participants to the 3rd AWO Congress later adopted the following recommendations: • Adopting a gender- based approach in the strategies, budget and development programs of Arab countries • Disseminating the culture of Human Rights and citizenship • Promoting legislative reforms in Arab countries towards bridging the gap between legal texts and practice • Promoting women's specific rights to health development programs • Reaffirming the importance of Arab women's participation in anchoring the culture of the environment and sustainable development • Setting up a Prize honoring the most active women association operating in environmental protection, following Mrs. Leila Ben Ali's initiative • Launching a permanent forum for Arab craftswomen • Reaffirming the need to increase women's presence in decision- making positions in relation to peace-making and the fight against armed conflicts.
